If you’re looking for a good scare, then look no further than this list of the 25 best horror movies of all time. These films are sure to send chills down your spine and keep you up at night. 🔪
Best horror movies
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins (Actors)
- Patrick Wilson (Director) - Scott Teems (Writer) - James Wan (Producer)
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- Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Dutch, English (Subtitles)
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- Keri Russell, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Christian Convery (Actors)
- Elizabeth Banks (Director) - Jimmy Warden (Writer) - Phil Lord (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
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- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge (Actors)
- M. Night Shyamalan (Director) - M. Night Shyamalan (Writer) - Ashwin Rajan (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Sean Patrick Flanery, Jordan Belfi, Tom Ohmer (Actors)
- Chuck Konzelman (Director) - Chuck Konzelman (Writer) - Chuck Konzelman (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Allison Williams, Ronny Chieng, Violet McGraw (Actors)
- Gerard Johnstone (Director) - Akela Cooper (Writer) - Jason Blum (Producer)
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- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Zach Gilford, Amanda Crew (Actors)
- Roxanne Benjamin (Director) - T. J. Cimfel (Writer) - Josh Reinhold (Producer)
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- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Jack Champion (Actors)
- Matt Bettinelli-Olpin (Director) - James Vanderbilt (Writer) - William Sherak (Producer)
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- English (Subtitle)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Sumner, Don (Author)
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- 258 Pages - 07/14/2010 (Publication Date) - Krause Publications (Publisher)
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- Lance Henriksen, Jeff East, John D'Aquino (Actors)
- Stan Winston (Director) - Mark Patrick Carducci (Writer) - Bill Blake (Producer)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Millicent Simmonds (Actors)
- John Krasinski (Director) - John Krasinski (Writer) - Michael Bay (Producer)
- English (Playback Languages)
- English (Subtitle)
1. The Exorcist (1973)
The Exorcist is a 1973 American supernatural horror film directed by William Friedkin, adapted from the 1971 novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty, and starring Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Max von Sydow, and Jason Miller. The film follows the demonic possession of a 12-year-old girl and her mother’s desperate attempts to win back her daughter through an exorcism conducted by two priests.
The Exorcist was released theatrically in the United States on December 26, 1973, by Warner Bros. Although initially met with mixed reviews from critics, the film earned praise for its direction, acting, special effects, and use of suspense when re-evaluated in years following its release. The film became one of the highest-grossing films of all time, grossing $441 million worldwide, and provided many opportunities for spin-offs and sequels.
The Exorcist has been frequently cited by critics as one of the greatest horror films ever made. In 2010, the Library of Congress selected the film to be preserved in the National Film Registry, deeming it “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
2. The Shining (1980)
The Shining is a 1980 psychological horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance, Shelley Duvall as his wife Wendy, and Danny Lloyd as their son Danny.
The Shining tells the story of Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic who accepts a position as the winter caretaker at the Overlook Hotel in Colorado. Hoping to get away from his turbulent past and be productive again, Jack brings his family with him to the hotel. But as the days grow shorter and the snow begins tofall, Jack finds himself becoming increasingly isolated and withdraws into alcoholism. His mental state deteriorates further when he starts experiencing terrifying visions of the hotel’s dark past.
With his family in danger and the hotel’s ghosts closing in on him, Jack is pushed to the brink of madness as he confronts his deepest fears.
The Shining is widely considered to be one of the greatest horror films ever made. It is noted for its use of techniques that create a sense of unease, such as its score by Krzysztof Penderecki and its images of blood pouring from elevators. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $44 million worldwide against its $19 million budget.
3. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
The 1968 horror film Rosemary’s Baby is one of the most iconic and influential films of all time. The story follows a young mother, Rosemary Woodhouse, who becomes pregnant under strange and suspicious circumstances. Over the course of her pregnancy, she begins to suspect that her child may be possessed by a demonic force. As the due date draws near, Rosemary’s fears come to a head, leading to a shocking and unforgettable conclusion.
Rosemary’s Baby was directed by Roman Polanski and starred Mia Farrow in the title role. The film was adapted from the bestselling novel by Ira Levin, and it remains one of the most celebrated horror films ever made. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Ruth Gordon, and it has been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.
Rosemary’s Baby is a classic example of psychological horror, preying on our deepest fears and uncertainties. It is a film that continues to terrify and fascinate audiences, more than 50 years after its release.
4. The Omen (1976)
The Omen is a 1976 American supernatural horror film directed by Richard Donner and starring Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, David Warner, and Billie Whitelaw. The film follows the life of Damien Thorn (Harvey Stephens), an American diplomat’s son who is discovered to be the Antichrist.
The film was released on June 25, 1976, and grossed $60 million in the United States. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, Best Supporting Actor (David Warner) and Best Original Score (Jerry Goldsmith). A sequel, Damien: Omen II, was released in 1978, and a second sequel, The Final Conflict, was released in 1981.
5. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
The Silence of the Lambs is a 1991 American thriller film directed by Jonathan Demme, based on Thomas Harris’ 1988 novel of the same name. The film stars Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, and Scott Glenn. It was released to critical acclaim and box office success, grossing $272 million worldwide against its $19 million budget.
The film won five major awards at the 64th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Hopkins), Best Actress (Foster), Best Director (Demme), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Ted Tally). In addition, it won three Golden Globe Awards including Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama (Foster), and Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (Hopkins). It also won two BAFTA Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Hopkins) and Best Film.
The film’s success spawned a franchise, which includes the sequel Hannibal (2001), and the prequel Red Dragon (2002). In 2003, The Silence of the Lambs was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
6. Psycho (1960)
Psycho is a 1960 American psychological thriller film directed and produced by Alfred Hitchcock, and written by Joseph Stefano. It stars Janet Leigh, Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, John Gavin, and Martin Balsam, and was based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Robert Bloch. The film centers on an encounter between a secretary, Marion Crane (Leigh), who ends up at a secluded motel after stealing money from her employer in order to run away with her lover, and the motel’s disturbed owner-manager, Norman Bates (Perkins), whose violent actions lead to their deaths.
The film was shot on location at Universal Studios in California using sets that were only slightly modified from those they had used for the TV show Perry Mason. The original novel was adapted into a screenplay by Joseph Stefano, who Hitchcock hired because of his work on theecstasy-related film Black Orpheus. Psycho is now considered one of Hitchcock’s best films and praised as a major work of cinematic art by international critics. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Director, and won for Best Supporting Actress. Its soundtrack by Bernard Herrmann is also acclaimed, becoming the first ever to receive an individual Academy Award nomination for Original Music Score.
Psycho initially received mixed reviews, but outstanding box office returns prompted a re-review which led to universal acclaim and it has since been ranked among the greatest films ever made. Film critic Roger Ebert called it “the finest film of Hitchcock’s career”, and it has inspired numerous films and sequels. In 1992, the Library of Congress deemed the film “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry. It is now considered one of the greatest American films ever made.
7. Friday the 13th (1980)
Friday the 13th is a 1980 American slasher film produced and directed by Sean S. Cunningham, written by Victor Miller, and starring Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King, Harry Crosby, Laurie Bartram, Kevin Bacon, and Jeannine Taylor. It tells the story of a group of teenage camp counselors who are stalked and killed by an unknown assailant while trying to reopen a summer camp which was the site of a child’s drowning ten years prior.
The film was released on Friday, May 9, 1980 in the United States. It grossed over $39 million at the box office in the United States and Canada, making it one of the most successful independent films of all time. Since its release, Friday the 13th has become one of the most well-known and iconic horror films. It has spawned a franchise consisting of twelve sequels, a television series, comic books, video games, and merchandise.
Friday the 13th is considered to be one of the first entries in the slasher film genre. The film’s success led to a boom in teen-oriented horror films, many of which were released in the early 1980s. Cunningham said that he “wanted Friday the 13th to be kind of like its own thing” and not just another “cookie cutter” slasher film. Miller’s script was very different from the final product; it featured multiple supernatural elements and exposition heavy dialogue. These aspects were toned down or removed completely during production.
Friday the 13th was shot in New Jersey in the spring of 1979. The film’s budget was only $550,000, which made it one of the lowest-budgeted horror films ever made at the time. It was released on May 9, 1980 and grossed over $39 million at the box office in the United States and Canada, making it one of the most successful independent films of all time.
8. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
A Nightmare on Elm Street is a 1984 American slasher film directed by Wes Craven and written by he and Bruce Wagner. It stars John Saxon, Ronee Blakley, Heather Langenkamp, Amanda Wyss, Jsu Garcia, Robert Englund, and Johnny Depp in his feature film debut. The plot follows several teenagers who are stalked and killed in their dreams by Freddy Krueger.
The film was released on November 9, 1984, to critical acclaim and was a box office success, grossing $56 million domestically on a budget of $1.8 million. A commercial success, it helped build the careers of Wes Craven and Robert Englund and spawned a franchise consisting of nine sequels, a television series, novels, comic books, video games and merchandise.
A Nightmare on Elm Street was released to positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmosphere and Englund’s performance as Freddy Krueger. The film was also a commercial success, grossing $56 million domestically on a budget of $1.8 million. It has since spawned a franchise consisting of nine sequels, a television series, novels, comic books, video games and merchandise.
9. Halloween (1978)
Halloween is a 1978 American horror film directed and produced by John Carpenter, co-written with producer Debra Hill, and starring Donald Pleasence and Jamie Lee Curtis in her film debut. The film tells the story of Michael Myers, who as a child killed his teenage sister on Halloween night. Fifteen years later, he escapes from a psychiatric hospital and returns home to kill again.
Carpenter shot Halloween in the fall of 1977 in South Pasadena, California. Although set in the fictional town of Haddonfield, Illinois, the film was primarily shot in Pasadena. Halloween was produced on a shoestring budget of $325,000—known today as an “indie horror” classic—and grossed more than $70 million at the box office in the United States, becoming one of the most profitable independent films of all time. The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, particularly for Carpenter’s direction and Curtis’ performance. It has since been credited with furthering the popularity of slasher films and Halloween as a holiday.
Although Halloween was not the first slasher film, it was largely responsible for the popularization of the genre; in particular, Carpenter’s use of a point-of-view (POV) camera as Michael Myers stalked his victims established many of the stylistic conventions that would become synonymous with slasher films. Critic Robin Wood wrote that Halloween “inaugurated the era of the contemporary American horror film,” while critic Gregory Peckinpaugh called it a “milestone”. Carpenter himself has said that Halloween “opened the door” for him as a director, and that without it, he may not have had the career that he did.
In 2000, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. In 2005, it was ranked number 18 on Bravo’s 100 Scariest Movie Moments; in 2007, Entertainment Weekly named it the best horror movie of all time; and AFI’s 100 Years…100 Thrills placed it at number 40. Michael Myers is also ranked number 45 on Bravo’s 100 Greatest Movie Villains list.
10. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of the most iconic and well-known horror films of all time. The movie follows a group of friends who find themselves being terrorized by a family of cannibals, led by the psychotic Leatherface. The movie was extremely controversial upon its release due to its graphic and disturbing content. However, it has since become a cult classic, and is considered one of the greatest horror films ever made.
11. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
The Blair Witch Project is a 1999 American supernatural horror film written, directed and edited by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez. It tells the story of three student filmmakers who go missing while filming a documentary about the local legend known as the Blair Witch. The footage that they shot before their disappearance is found by the police, and it quickly becomes a media sensation.
The movie was extremely successful upon its release, grossing over $248 million worldwide on a budget of just $60,000. It is credited with popularizing the found footage genre, and has been both praised and criticized for its use of handheld cameras and its slow pacing.
Despite its low budget, The Blair Witch Project was a critical and commercial success. The film grossed over $248 million worldwide and became one of the most profitable independent films of all time. It also popularized the found footage genre, and has been both praised and criticized for its use of handheld cameras and its slow pacing.
12. The Ring (2002)
The Ring is a 2002 American supernatural horror film directed by Gore Verbinski and starring Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman, Brian Cox, and Jane Alexander. The Ring was released theatrically on October 18, 2002, and became a commercial success. It grossed over $249 million worldwide on a budget of $48 million.
The Ring earned several awards and nominations, including two Academy Award nominations for Best Actress (Naomi Watts) and Best Original Song (“The Ring”). The film was also nominated for three Golden Globe Awards, four Saturn Awards, and eight MTV Movie Awards. The Ring has been cited as one of the best horror films of all time.
13. Saw (2004)
(Saw 2004) is a American horror film directed by James Wan. It is the first installment in the Saw franchise. The film’s story revolves around two men, who are chained in a dilapidated industrial bathroom and are ordered by an unknown person to follow his instructions to escape.
The film was released on October 29, 2004, and grossed over $55 million worldwide. Saw received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising the acting, directing, and suspense. However, some criticized the film’s graphic violence.
14. Ju-on: The Grudge (2003)
Ju-on: The Grudge is a 2003 Japanese supernatural horror film directed by Takashi Shimizu. It is the third installment in the Ju-on franchise and is a remake of the 2000 film of the same name. The film stars Megumi Okina, Misaki Ito, Yui Ichikawa, and Takashi Matsuyama.
The plot follows a young woman who encounters a cursed house in Tokyo. The curse stems from a horrific incident that took place in the house years ago, and it causes anyone who enters to be consumed by rage and fear. As the woman tries to unravel the mystery of the curse, she finds herself falling deeper into its clutches.
Ju-on: The Grudge was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $187 million worldwide. It was also nominated for several awards, including the Saturn Award for Best International Film.
15. The Sixth Sense (1999)
The Sixth Sense is a 1999 American supernatural psychological thriller film written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The film tells the story of Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), a young boy who sees dead people, and Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis), a child psychologist who tries to help him. The film established Shyamalan as a writer and director, and introduced the cinema audiences to his traits, most notably his affinity for surprise endings.
The Sixth Sense was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. It won Best Supporting Actor for Osment’s performance. In 2016, the film was voted by the American Film Institute as one of the top 100 greatest films of the 21st century.
16. Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Upon its release, Night of the Living Dead was met with critical acclaim and quickly acquired a reputation as one of the most influential horror films ever made. The film has been praised for its realistic and independent approach to its subject matter, as well as for its inventive use of editing, soundtrack, and title sequence. It is often cited as an early example of the modern zombie film and has spawned numerous sequels and re-imaginings.
17. Carrie (1976)
Carrie is a 1976 American supernatural horror film directed by Brian De Palma and written by Lawrence D. Cohen, based on the 1974 novel of the same name by Stephen King. It stars Sissy Spacek as Carrie White, a shy high school girl who uses her newly discovered telekinetic powers to exact revenge on those who tease her. The film also features Piper Laurie as Carrie’s abusive mother, Margaret White, and Amy Irving as Sue Snell, one of Carrie’s classmates who feels guilty for participating in the prank that led to Carrie’s humiliation.
The film was a commercial success, grossing $33 million at the domestic box office, and received two Academy Award nominations: Best Actress (Spacek) and Best Supporting Actress (Laurie). Its success led to a sequel, The Rage: Carrie 2, released in 1999.
18. 28 Days Later (2002)
28 Days Later is a 2002 British post-apocalyptic horror film directed by Danny Boyle. The screenplay was written by Alex Garland, and the film stars Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Brendan Gleeson, Chris Evans, and Megan Burns.
The plot focuses on the breakdown of society following the outbreak of a highly infectious virus that turns people into rage-filled zombies. The film depicts the attempts of a handful of survivors to escape from London during the outbreak.
The film was made on a low budget of just $8 million, but went on to gross over $84 million at the box office worldwide. It has since been regarded as one of the best zombie films ever made, and has spawned a franchise that includes a sequel, 28 Weeks Later (2007), and a television series, 28 Days Later: The Series (2013-present).
19. Let the Right One In (2008)
Let the Right One In is a 2008 Swedish horror film based on the novel of the same name by John Ajvide Lindqvist. The film tells the story of a bullied 12-year-old boy named Oskar who befriends a vampire child in 1980s Sweden.
The film was directed by Tomas Alfredson and starred KĂĄre Hedebrant as Oskar and Lina Leandersson as Eli. It received widespread critical acclaim, with many critics praising its atmosphere and acting. The film was nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It won several awards, including Best Swedish Film at the Guldbagge Awards.
20. Audition (1999)
Audition is a 1999 psychological thriller directed by Takashi Miike. The film tells the story of a widower, Shigeharu Aoyama, who is pressured by his son to find a new wife. To do so, he holds fake auditions for a nonexistent movie in order to meet women. During one of these auditions, he meets Yamazaki Asami, who seems perfect for the role. However, as Shigeharu gets to know her better, he realizes that she may not be as perfect as she seems.
Audition was met with critical acclaim upon its release and has been praised for its suspenseful and shocking plot. It has become one of Takashi Miike’s most well-known films, and is considered to be one of the best psychological thrillers of all time.
21. The Descent (2005)
The Descent is a 2005 British horror film directed and written by Neil Marshall. The film follows six women who, after becoming separated from their husband and children during a vacation in the Appalachians, encounter strange cliff-dwelling cave-dwellers.
The film stars Shauna Macdonald as Sarah, Natalie Mendoza as Beth, Alex Reid as Juno, Saskia Mulder as Sam, MyAnna Buring as Rebecca, and Oliver Milburn as can guide Paul. The Descent was filmed in Scotland and Wales. The film premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on 19 August 2005. It received positive reviews from critics and grossed $57 million against its $15 million budget.
22. REC (2007)
REC is a Spanish horror film that tells the story of a television reporter and her cameraman who become trapped inside a building while covering a story about a mysterious virus that turns people into bloodthirsty zombies. The movie was directed by Jaume BalaguerĂł and Paco Plaza, and stars Manuela Velasco, Paco Menendez, and Jonathan D. Mellor.
The movie received positive reviews from critics, with many praising its suspenseful and scary atmosphere. It has been compared to other popular horror movies such as The Blair Witch Project and 28 Days Later. The movie was a box office success, grossing over $30 million worldwide. It has spawned two sequels: REC 2 (2009) and REC 3: Genesis (2012).
23. Paranormal Activity (2007)
The 2007 horror film Paranormal Activity tells the story of a young couple who are haunted by a supernatural entity. The movie was directed by Oren Peli and became an instant classic, grossing over $107 million at the box office.
24. The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
The Cabin in the Woods (2011) is a horror movie that takes place in an isolated cabin in the woods. A group of friends go to the cabin for a vacation, but they soon find out that it is not as deserted as they thought. The cabin is actually home to a group of monsters who are waiting to kill them. The friends must try to survive the night and escape the cabin alive. The Cabin in the Woods is one of the most unique and original horror movies of recent years. It is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you are a fan of horror movies, then you need to see this one. It is sure to send chills down your spine.
25. The Conjuring (2013)
The Conjuring is a 2013 American supernatural horror film directed by James Wan and written by Chad Hayes and Carey W. Hayes. It is the first installment in The Conjuring Universe franchise. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga star as Ed and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigators and authors associated with prominent cases of hauntings. Their reports inspired The Amityville Horror story and The Conjuring films. The Warrens come to the assistance of the Perron family (Ron Livingston, Lili Taylor), who are experiencing increasingly events in their farmhouse in Rhode Island in 1971.
The Conjuring grossed over $319 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing horror films of all time. The film was also nominated for five Saturn Awards, including Best Horror Film and Best Performance by a Younger Actor for Joey King. A sequel, The Conjuring 2, was released in 2016.
